Afternoon tea is a wonderful British tradition to enjoy with friends and family, but if you have a food allergy trying to find a suitable place that caters for you and that tastes good, can be difficult.

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Oh for the love of cake!

1. Tylney Hall Hotel, Hook

Eenjoy the experience, either reclining in the ornate splendour of the Italian Lounge or enjoying the view of the gardens from the Grey Lounge, or for a more private tête-à-tête the Library makes a cosy hideaway.

2. Pennyhill Park, Bagshot

Afternoon tea at the luxury five star hotel is served in the Ascot Bar or (weather permitting) on pretty terraces in glorious sunshine. From gluten to dairy free, should you have any specific requests for your afternoon tea the hotel will be delighted to accommodate you, simply let them know upon booking.

3. Warren House, Kingston

Served in the Lounge Bar, Orchid Room or outside on the pretty terrace of this four star hotel, sandwich fillings are the chef’s choice of the day and the cakes and pastries change daily. The gluten-free scones and bread are delicious as are the wonderful sweet treats on the top of the three tier cake stand. Read our review.

4. The Petersham, Richmond

Situated in the chic and leafy London suburb of Richmond, The Petersham Hotel commands unspoilt panoramic views of the River Thames and the surrounding meadow. Enjoy freshly cut finger sandwiches, assorted ‘Petersham’ cakes and pastries and warm scones with West Country clotted cream and strawberry preserve. Gluten-free options are available, just 24 hours notice period is required.

Address: Nightingale Lane, Richmond, TW10 6UZ

Available: Mon-Sat 3.30pm-5.30pm and Sun 4pm-5.30pm

Price: £24.50 per person, add a glass of Petersham Champagne for an additional £12.50

Book: Call 020 89407471

Afternoon tea at The Petersham (Image: Adrian Franklin)

5. Aviator, Farnborough

Enjoy an indulgent selection of freshly baked cakes, scones and sandwiches served with a range of speciality teas and coffees at this luxury five star boutique hotel. The venue caters for dietary needs. If you would like to know more about the content of the dishes, the hotel will be happy to speak to you on the phone about them.

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6. Oakley Hall Hotel, Basingstoke

With its roots in 19th century grandeur, the Glasshouse Restaurant provides an elegant and sophisticated environment in which to enjoy a splendid afternoon tea. Each guest receives a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked fruit and plain scones, clotted cream, strawberry and raspberry jam, homemade cakes and a choice of tea or coffee. There is a vegetarian, children's, gluten-free and dairy-free menu also.

Address: Rectory Road, Oakley, Basingstoke, RG23 7EL

Available: Daily 3pm-5pm

Price: £22.95 per person, champagne afternoon tea £32.95 per person

Book: Call 01256 783350

7. Great Fosters, Egham

Built as a royal hunting lodge in 1550, this lavish hotel is a special setting for afternoon tea. Finger sandwiches include marinated cucumber and crème fraîche on basil bread, egg mayonnaise and cress on wholegrain bread, roast beef, caramelised red onion and rocket with kibbled onion bread and smoked salmon and cream cheese on beetroot bread. Then tuck into warm home baked scones with clotted cream and preserves and Victoria sandwich with raspberry jam and vanilla cream. Vegetarian, gluten-free, Pimms and Champagne, Champagne Bollinger Rosé and English sparkling afternoon menus are also available.

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Food you have to try around Surrey

8. Ashdown Park Hotel, East Grinstead

The high tea menus at this luxury hotel are award-winners and the kitchen staff is extremely proud of the homemade sandwiches, cakes and scones they serve. The period lounges are the perfect place to enjoy afternoon tea or if the weather is nice and warm, the terrace overlooking the lawns and lake makes a sunny alternative. If you suffer from a food allergy or intolerance, inform a member of staff, who will be happy to assist you when placing your order.

Address: Wych Cross, East Grinstead, RH18 5JR

Available: Served daily 2pm-6pm

Price: £24.50 per person or £45 per couple

Book: Call 01342 824988

9. Lainston House, Winchester

This charming 17th century country house stands elegantly in 63 acres of beautiful Hampshire parkland. Sit in front of a roaring open fire and enjoy being waited on hand and foot as you indulge in a little bit of English tradition. Served on a tiered cake stand, enjoy finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam, lemon curd and clotted cream, a range of delicate pastries and your choice of tea and coffee. Gluten and dairy free afternoon tea available on request.

Address: Woodman Lane, Sparsholt, Winchester, SO21 2LT

Available: Daily 2.30pm-5.30pm

Price: £26.50 per person, with a glass of bubbly £37

Book: Call 01962 776088

10. Alexander House, East Grinstead

A gorgeous five-star boutique country house hotel with award-winning Spa, Alexander House is ideal for those looking for a luxury afternoon tea. Each dainty dessert is handmade by in-house pastry chefs, sandwiches are served on beautiful homemade bread and all preserves are homemade. The hotel has teamed up with quirky Brighton based tea company, Metro Deco, to offer an outstanding selection of tea. Gluten free afternoon tea available.

Address: Turners Hill, East Grinstead, RH10 4QD

Available: Daily 1pm-5.30pm

Price: From £26.50 per person, Champagne afternoon tea from £36.50 per person

Book: Call 01293 786680

11. The Tea Terrace, Guildford

Hidden away on the fifth floor of House of Fraser is an Aladdin's cave for cake-lovers.

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12. Macdonald Frimley Hall Hotel, Camberley

Dive into two home baked scones with Tip-Tree strawberry preserve, lemon curd and Devonshire clotted cream and a selection of finger sandwiches before finishing with an assorted sweet selection of pastries and patisserie fruit cake. The hotel can easily cater for people with an intolerance to gluten and dairy. They already offer gluten free dishes at the hotel. Read our review here.

The garden centre's afternoon tea includes a pot of loose leaf tea, sandwich made using gluten-free bread with your choice of filling, gluten-free scones with Devon clotted cream and two slices of cake. There is also a luxury Champagne Afternoon Tea, perfect for special occasions and comes with a 1/4 bottle of Laurent - Perrier Champagne.

Available: Mon-Fri 2.30pm-5pm

Price: £7.95 for one, £14.95 for two people. Champagne afternoon tea costs £29.95 for two people

14. Royal Lancaster London, Hyde Park

Not in Surrey, but certainly worth hopping on a train into London for. Located on the edge of Hyde Park for a pre or post afternoon tea stroll, the elegant Hyde Lobby where afternoon tea is served daily, could not be any more fitting. Expect exquisite pastries, excellent hospitality and a magical experience at the plush five star hotel. The pastry chef can cater exceptionally well for gluten free, dairy free and vegetarian diets.

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15. Laura Ashley Tea Room, Burnham

Kitted out entirely in Laura Ashley products, as you would expect the decor is charming, elegant and beautiful.

It is furnished in true quintessentially British fashion and is the ideal setting to indulge in a traditional afternoon tea complete with dainty finger sandwiches, sumptuous scones and an array of decadent pastries.

Draped from floor to ceiling in stunning Laura Ashley design, with large windows offering beautiful views over Burnham Beeches Hotel grounds, The Tea Room offers an experience like no other.

Price: £29 per person including a glass of non-alcoholic passion fruit and almond vanilla lychee fizz

Book: Call 020 7313 8484

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(Image: La Suite West)

17. Castle Hotel, Windsor

Using key ingredients from Victorian baking, Castle Hotel’s afternoon tea is simply sumptous. The hotel is located just a stone throw away from Windsor Castle and the food is certainly fit for a queen. Afternoon tea includes sandwiches, savouries and miniature cakes.

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(Image: Publicity Picture)

18. Long Barn Lavender, Alresford

Long Barn Lavender grows organic lavender and produces and sells a range of natural products at its farm shop. The quaint barn is also home to a beautiful café overlooking the purple lavender fields and serves a delightful lavender themed spread of finger cut sandwiches, homemade scones and delicate cakes.

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19. The Royal Horseguards, Westminster

A short trip into London brings you to this striking five star hotel serving quintessential afternoon tea in a relaxing Lounge. The traditional treat comes with a pot of a unique blend leaf tea called Strawberries and Cream.